I lost my prop....

[HarrisonM]

Hello:

I was out this weekend and I lost the prop on my Beneteau 473 I am pretty sure it was the original 3 bladed bronze prop from the factory. I really don't have the budget for a new prop right now, but curious if anyone can make any suggestions or recommendations on getting a new one and what specs I should look for.

Thanks...

[Compass790]

Originally Posted by HarrisonM

Hello:

I was out this weekend and I lost the prop on my Beneteau 473 I am pretty sure it was the original 3 bladed bronze prop from the factory. I really don't have the budget for a new prop right now, but curious if anyone can make any suggestions or recommendations on getting a new one and what specs I should look for.

Thanks...

Google vicprop propellor calculator.
That will tell you what you should get roughly if you give it the correct inputs.
You can get used props for a fraction of new price here in New Zealand & I imagine it cant be too hard in Florida if you want a temporary replacement before you buy new.
E.g we bought another with shaft for $60 at auction.

I feel yr pain, we lost a blade off our 2 bladed folding prop due to bad cathodic protection. It didnt go too well with one blade I can tell ya!
Takes a bit to overpower our little Yanmars vibration but it certainly did that.
I'd looked at the prop when returning from a lobster dive a couple weeks earlier & knew it was going to happen but we were out on a cruise far from prop places. No worries, Cap'n Cook had no motor.


Dont know about new brands but there are a few discussions on the forum. I'd get a folding or feathering variable pitch one if I had $$$$ to burn

[HarrisonM]

Great I will check that out. I did some research and it seems the boat was built with a 17x16 3 bladed prop. That seems big but it is a 47 foot boat.

[kapnd]

Somethings fishy here…
You can buy a Benetau 473, which is not a cheap boat, but can’t pop for a new Prop?
I’ll bet the Beemer has fresh rubber on it!

[JPA Cate]

It is a big loss. However, it is also an opportunity to consider a folding prop, which will improve your light air performance considerably.

Ann

[Tetepare]

Originally Posted by kapnd

Somethings fishy here…
You can buy a Benetau 473, which is not a cheap boat, but can’t pop for a new Prop?
I’ll bet the Beemer has fresh rubber on it!

Ah good point. We budget roughly 10% of the value of the boat for maintenance and upgrades per annum.

[HarrisonM]

Thanks I am considering all my options. The boat is in the middle of a refit, but a prop was not on the list. I think we all have had that happen to us.....

On an off note when I lost the prop it was in the evening when I was anchoring near shore. My anchor would not grab! I raised my sails instantly and narrowly avoided a grounding. Thank god I had wind to work with!!!! On a positive note I bear'ed out into the Gulf of Mexico and continued my cruise. I ended up having one of the best night sails I have ever had

[C420sailor]

Got any info on how you lost it? Pin and nut went and it just slid off the shaft? Wild for a prop to just depart like that.

[Don C L]

Originally Posted by JPA Cate

It is a big loss. However, it is also an opportunity to consider a folding prop, which will improve your light air performance considerably.

Ann

That's what I was thinking

[HarrisonM]

At first inspection it seems like the cotter pin gave way then the bolts slowly unscrewed.

Question - How often should the cotter pin be replaced?

[Don C L]

Are you sure it gave way or did the last person to work on the prop forget to put it in? Not much strain on that cotter pin.

[jibstay]

I also have a 473. I replaced the prop with a Flex-o-fold a couple of years ago. It’s been fantastic! A little less prop walk in reverse and a huge increase in forward speed at the same RPMs.

I kept the original prop as a spare, but my boat is in the Caribbean, so shipping would be ridiculously expensive.

[sail sfbay]

Originally Posted by HarrisonM

..........I did some research and it seems the boat was built with a 17x16 3 bladed prop. That seems big.........

By comparison my Hunter 46 sailboat has a 18" X 17 R.H 3 blade propeller on a 76 hp Yanmar. If you want a fixed bladed Michigan Sailor or Campbell Sailor propeller contact the link below and provide engine and tansmission details.

https://www.propellerdepot.com/michi...er3-propellers.
https://westbynorth.com/

[aquafacts]

Try a Campbell Sailor - 3 blade fixed specifically for sailboats - high thrust in gear - minimal drag while sailing - Best fixed blade prop for sailing. I have used many on Beta re-powers with excellent results. They will be able to tell you the correct pitch and diameter.

[Boatyarddog]

Originally Posted by kapnd

Somethings fishy here…
You can buy a Benetau 473, which is not a cheap boat, but can’t pop for a new Prop?
I’ll bet the Beemer has fresh rubber on it!

Not real helpful right?
Smirky comments, NOT the right forum for that.
Sounds like envy to the general poor folk here.

So, check out Craigslist in your area. And outlying areas.
There are a lot of used props out there.
I've found several, for mine and others boats for a fraction of the the cost.
Any chance for a diver to locate it?
SV Cloud Duster